Themes from Children of Color
Themes that emerged from Children of Color community conversations:
- Families spoke passionately about the need for family support and parent advocacy and role models.
"Our children would be better served if policy and programs focused on the entire family."
"...We need an ombudsman ... who is from the community... Who within the Governor's office is a voice, -a go-to person for Native issues -- we need to have that contact."
>> Read more comments on this theme.
- Child care continues to be an issue because of limited access, especially for infants and toddlers; high cost; and public policy dilemmas.
"We hear the messages about the importance of the early years, but we can't find and can't afford child care. State subsidy policy doesn't work for us."
"In our community there is almost no options for childcare for parents who have to work a third shift."
>> Read more comments on this theme.
- Poverty, massive job loss, and unfair employment practices undermine basic support for child development and family stability today---and robs families and communities of needed brain trusts for tomorrow.
"Without jobs and income, we cannot provide for our children."
"Underemployment is a big issue. Parents have 2 and 3 jobs to make ends meet. It impacts their ability to be active in their children's lives."
>> Read more comments on this theme.
- Transportation issues challenge our ability to meet the needs of our children and families. Lack of Transportation restricts access to child care, jobs, health care, fresh food and groceries, and opportunity.
"In our rural setting, transportation, to and from work, is a big issue - especially when work hours are unpredictable. The pay for a shortened shift may not even cover the cost of childcare and transportation."
>> Read more comments on this theme.
- Too many children suffer anxiety about their safety - a sentiment expressed consistently in Latino communities.
"I don't feel safe letting my children play outside."
>> Read more comments on this theme.
- Children and their families are discriminated against because of ethnic heritage, skin color or language skills.
"There was a mother in our community who went a hospital to have a baby and paid $500 for translator services that were available for free but she didn't know because the language barrier got in the way."
>> Read more comments on this theme.
- Many communities emphasized the need for both a sense of personal and community responsibility and a focus on systems change and accountability.
"Policies can be so inconsistent and can sometimes contradict one another. It puts pressure on those of us trying to serve families - not to mention the families themselves."
>> Read more comments on this theme.
Podcast from Detroit Session